48 female runners with running related overuse symptoms were randomly assigned to a control group (CO: age 35 ± 10 years, height: 1,66 ± 0,04 m, weight: 56 ± 5 kg, training km per week: 41 ± 25 km) and an insole therapy group (IN: age: 39 ± 10 years, height: 1,66 ± 0,06 m, weight: 58 ± 8 kg, training km per week: 37 ± 17 km). IN received an individually accustomed insole out of special polyurethane foam (molded, longitudinal arch support, bowl-shaped heel). All insoles were accustomed by the same orthopaedic technician. CO continued their regular training regimen without therapy, while IN used the insole for every run for 8 weeks. Both groups were analyzed on a treadmill at 12 km·h
-1 pre and post intervention. Surface EMG of the lower leg muscles (M. tibialis anterior, M. peroneus longus, M. gastrocnemius medialis) was measured while subjects ran (in random order) barefoot with a reference shoe and with the individually accustomed insoles. Mean amplitude quantities (normalized to barefoot running condition) in preactivation, weight acceptance and push-off phase were extracted from EMG [
3]. Functional disabilities resulting from running related injury symptoms were examined using the Pain-Disability-Index (PDI). Pain Experience Scale (SES) was used to assess current pain rating [
1]. The main outcome measure (PDI sum score) was analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA (α = 0.05). SES values as well as EMG quantities were descriptively evaluated.